Bhopal: In a major setback to the ruling party BJP in Madhya Pradesh, the grand-old party Congress has put up a tough fight in the civic polls held for 19 civic bodies.

According to news reported in news18.com, despite CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s several rallies and road shows, the BJP managed to win 9 president posts out of 19 civic bodies. On the other hand, the Congress party also won 9 out of 19 civic bodies. One seat was won by independent candidate.

BJP could not defeat Raghogarh, the Congress citadel and also the home town of AICC general secretary Digvijaya Singh.

Jaivardhan Singh, son of the veteran Congress leader successfully managed to take Congress to victory.

The elections were seen as semi-finals to the assembly elections which will be held later in this year.

Congress party has won 4 out of 6 Nagara Palikas, whereas the BJP was able to win just 2 Nagara Palikas.

Whereas in the Nagar palika Parishads, the BJP was able to win 7, the Congress 5 and the independent got one.

Strong anti-incumbency was visible in these elections, and Congress’ candidate Mahesh Bhawar was elected as the Nagar Palika president of Sardarpur in Dhar, the spot where the CM was recently caught on video slapping his bodyguard during a rally.

BJP candidate Dinesh Sharma, who was offered garlands of shoes during poll campaign, managed to win from Dhamnaud in Dhar.

KK Mishra, the Congress spokesperson, said that “The fake image of being MP’s brand ambassador created by CM Shivraj with the help of hollow promises and lies has been shattered by these results.”

Further he also said that “This augurs well for the party ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.”